Vix walked to the back of the cave, rubbing her sore shoulders as she did. A steep, smooth slope led upward into the blackness. “That’s where we fell from?” she confirmed. Vix stuck her head out as far as she could and looked up. She could not see even a glimmer of light above.

Caine joined her, his shoulders tense. “I’m sure I’m not the only one to think of this,” he said, “but won’t Cassidy realize we’re down here sooner or later? When she sees we’re not dead, ...